SwiftModule-AM: Low-Cost Module with TI Sitara AM3505 / AM3517

SwiftModule-AM is the low-cost member of our family of modules based on TI's new ARM Cortex-A8 based micros, the AM3505 and AM3517. With similar features to the original OMAP OM3503 and OM3515, the new Sitara devices include on-device Ethernet, CAN and second USB Host port, and offer similar low-power characteristics, 3.3v I/O and a lower price point. SwiftModule-AM is supplied with comprehensive production-quality Board Support Packages (BSP) for Windows Embedded Compact 7 and CE 6.0 as well as Android 2.2 and Linux 2.6.

The module is a 200-pin SODIMM board, measuring just 35mm x 68mm. For development purposes, SwiftModule-AM plugs into the SwiftLite-AM breakout board (dimensions 90mm x 90mm – same as a Beagleboard) providing a complete development system which runs straight out of the box.

In production, the SwiftLite baseboard can be replaced with a simple baseboard carrying exactly the connectors required for your product.

This means that when you base your product on SwiftModule-AM the most time-consuming and expensive part of the hardware design is already done for you, as is the equally costly porting of the operating system to the hardware, enabling you to get to market in a matter of weeks.

Powered by a TI Sitara AM3505 or AM3517 ARM Cortex-A8 processor running at 600MHz, with optional PowerVR SGX OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics core, SwiftModule-AM is one of the most versatile ARM-based devices available today, yet it permits power consumption as low as 1W in most applications. Thanks to our thoroughly developed and tested BSPs, the full power of Windows Compact / CE, Microsoft's powerful real-time small footprint embedded OS, including an extensive range of interfaces and communications protocols, is available and ready to be used by your application. Angstrom distribution Linux and Android are also fully supported.

Because at Direct Insight we understand all about platform-based design - having brought dozens of products to market via this route - we can provide the support you need to complete the process without too many surprises along the way.

Special Features

SwiftModule incorporates a number of special features to answer the needs of the system-on-module user, including rapid boot capability thanks to a BinFS file system implementation. A user-defined splash-screen makes it easy to brand your product without delving into the platform configuration.

On-module Ethernet, wi-fi, audio and touch reduce the baseboard requirement in most cases to little more than connectors, while a Flash File System makes the unused area of the large standard NAND device available for data storage, in addition to supported removable storage, including USB stick, SD and CF cards.

A large (800x480) touch screen, directly connected to the AM35xx's on-chip display controller means that the development setup closely emulates the final product, and LVDS and HDMI support allows a remotely display to be easily connected

Technical Details:

In addition to the AM3503/AM3517 microcontroller, the SwiftModule-AM includes the latest TPS65023 companion device, up to 256MB of 400MHz DDR2 SDRAM, up to 512MB NAND Flash, and integrated Ethernet controller. Supported interfaces include USB Host (x2) and OTG, Ethernet, RS-232, camera, audio, TDM, SPI, I2C, 1-Wire, SD Card, PWM, CAN, touch screen, keypad and JTAG. The table below provides full details.

Application Support

Additional interfaces such as GPS modules, GPRS/3G modems, analog to digital converter are frequently required to complete your product. To facilitate this we have created a library of reference extensions to the baseboard design, complete with integrated Windows CE and Linux drivers, so that customers can easily integrate these extra capabilities in their final system.

Handheld Devices

The SwiftLite-AM baseboard and supplied schematics is the starting point for design of your product-specific baseboard. If your product is a handheld device, we can also provide additional reference designs and design review services to facilitate implementation of appropriate power management including battery charging, management and fuel gauge functionality.

SwiftLite Baseboard

For development purposes, the SwiftModule-AM plugs into the SwiftLite-AM baseboard, to complete a tiny (9cm/3.5" square – same size as Beagleboard) AM3517 development system, which runs Windows Compact 7, CE 6.0, Android 2.2 or Linux 2.6 out of the box.

SwiftLite-DM DM3730/AM3703 Development System

The main purpose of the baseboard is to provide connectors as shown above. Additional signals including display controller output, synchronous serial, SPI, PWM, local bus are accessible via the extension headers. A CB105 optional extension board connects to these headers to provide additional connectivity including CAN (AM only) and RS-485 interface, as well as providing access to all the SODIMM signals via 0.1” headers. The SwiftLite development system ships with an 800x480 touch screen display as standard. Other displays may be connected via LVDS or HDMI/DVI.

SwiftLite Off-the-shelf Production Baseboards

The SwiftLite board used for the development system also provides the basis for a production baseboard, which is suitable for projects where the interface/connector requirements are a subset of those on the standard baseboard. See our SwiftLite Baseboard page for further details

Further Information and Pricing

Contact our experienced team with your detailed questions - we'll be happy to help. Module pricing is from about 40 Euros / $55 at 1ku - please contact us with a feature list and volume for a quotation. Just click on "Price Request" below.

Ordering Information

Simply order the SwiftLite-AM development system via our online shop (link below), and it should be with you in a couple of days. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact us by calling Direct Insight on +44 1295 768800 9am to 5.30pm UK time, emailing info at directinsight.co.uk, or by using the "Ask a Question" form below.

Useful Links:

SwiftModule-4460 Dual ARM Cortex-A9 with OMAP4460 system on module
SwiftModule-DM Da Vinci DM3730 system-on-module
SwiftLite off-the-shelf production baseboards
SwiftModule-OM OMAP35x system-on module
SwiftModule-PX PXA320 system-on module
Module Selector Table